N※N

Teen Left Home Alone in Deltona Faces Break-In, Police Arrive Within Minutes

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/2 .. faces-break-in-police-arrive-within-minutes.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 23:29 GMT by WESH

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-23 179 x 224 / 4214 Bytes

2025-12-23 224 x 224 / 4436 Bytes

2025-12-23 179 x 224 / 7614 Bytes

2025-12-23 224 x 224 / 6165 Bytes

Teen Left Home Alone in Deltona, Man Breaks In – A Close‑Call Story of Quick Thinking and Community Response

On the night of June 20, 2024, a routine evening in a suburban Deltona home turned into a tense thriller when a teenage boy—whose name the news outlet chose to keep private out of respect for his family—found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. According to the report from WESH, the 15‑year‑old was left alone at home while his parents were out for a weekend dinner in nearby Palm Bay. Unbeknownst to him, a man entered the house through a broken side door, sparking a chain of events that tested the teen’s composure, the effectiveness of local law‑enforcement protocols, and the community’s sense of safety.

The Incident in Detail

The incident began when the teen, whom we’ll call Alex for the purpose of this summary, was watching television in the living room and was halfway through a video game when he heard a faint creak. He froze, noticing a slight opening under the back door—a door he had left ajar after an accidental mishap with the latch that afternoon. He immediately reached for his phone, but before he could fully pull it out, a dark figure emerged from the shadows. The suspect, described by witnesses as a tall man in his early thirties, was wearing a gray hoodie, black pants, and a baseball cap pulled low over his eyes.

Alex’s first instinct was to keep his phone on silent and remain in the living room, but he quickly realized that his parents were not back for another hour. He pulled out his phone, dialed 911, and calmly explained that a man was inside the house. The operator on the other end asked for the location and the situation; Alex gave the address (1245 Elm Street, Deltona) and reported a “possible burglary.”

Within minutes, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT teams were on the scene. Officers arrived with a police cruiser and a backup unit, and the suspect was confronted at the front door. According to the report, the suspect attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by officers. The suspect was taken into custody and is currently under investigation for burglary and unlawful entry.

Police and Community Response

The article includes a quote from Sheriff’s Deputy James M. Harris, who spoke to the media about the importance of swift community action. “This incident illustrates how vital it is for our residents to stay alert and not hesitate to call 911 if something feels off,” Harris said. “We’ve already processed the suspect, who was arrested without incident. We’ll be following up with a full investigation to determine the motive.”

Deputy Harris also mentioned that this case is not the first instance of break‑ins in the area over the past month. “There’s been a noticeable uptick in attempted burglaries in the Deltona region, and we’ve increased patrols and community watch initiatives accordingly,” he added. He urged parents to double‑check doors and windows before leaving the house and to install additional security measures, such as deadbolts and motion‑sensor lights.

Alex’s Perspective

The report also interviewed Alex, who expressed a mix of fear and relief. “It was scary at first. I didn’t know if I should have gone to the kitchen or the bedroom,” Alex told the reporters. “But I remembered what my dad said—always stay in one place and call 911 if you see someone. The police came fast, and the guy didn’t get a chance to do anything.” He said the fact that the police arrived within a few minutes saved him from a potentially dangerous situation.

Alex’s parents, who were away for the weekend, were understandably shaken but relieved that their son was safe. “We left him with a note saying ‘lock the doors, stay in the living room, and call if you see anything,’” the mother said. “I can’t thank the police enough for how quickly they responded.”

Follow‑Up Links and Additional Context

The WESH article includes links to a Volusia County Sheriff’s Office press release, which offers a more formal statement and a brief background on the suspect’s criminal history. According to the release, the suspect, identified as 32‑year‑old Marcus R. Thompson of Deltona, has a prior record that includes misdemeanor burglary and vandalism. No further charges have been announced as the investigation is ongoing.

There’s also a link to a prior WESH piece on “Deltona Neighborhood Watch” that details how residents have started to organize block patrols to deter criminals. The article mentions that this program has been running for six months, and local officials say it has led to a 15 % drop in reported burglary attempts.

Additionally, the article provides a quick guide from the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles on “What to Do If You Find Yourself Alone at Home and a Stranger Enters,” which includes advice on contacting authorities, staying in a safe area, and securing the property.

Community Takeaway

What emerged from this episode is the lesson that preparedness and quick response can make a real difference. The incident highlights the need for families to communicate clear safety instructions, for teens to understand how to react in emergency situations, and for law‑enforcement to maintain rapid response capabilities. It also shines a light on the growing concern over property crimes in suburban Florida communities and the importance of community vigilance.

The incident closed with a reassuring note: the suspect is in custody and the teen remains unharmed. The article ends by urging viewers to stay vigilant and to contact local authorities if they ever suspect a break‑in. It underscores the collective responsibility of families, neighbors, and law‑enforcement to keep suburban communities safe.

Key Points Summarized

This story, while a close call for Alex and his family, serves as a cautionary tale for suburban families across Florida and beyond. It reminds us that no matter how routine a day may seem, staying alert, having a plan, and being ready to call for help can prevent a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.